Mobile Public Schools form task force to discuss safety upgrades for all campuses

by Muriel Bailey

Friday, February 22nd 2019

(Image:WPMI)MCPSS to form committee to discuss safety upgrades in all schools

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — NBC 15 news just learned the Mobile County Public School System is in the process of forming a task force to look at upgrading school security.

This comes after recent situations with students allegedly attacking administrators at Davidson and Williamson High, students accused of bringing weapons to school and a shooting on Davidson’s campus.

"We're talking about the lively hood of students and faculty," MCPSS School board member Dr. Reginald Crenshaw said.

Crenshaw says they’ve asked Superintendent Chresal Threadgill to select a task force. He says it will include school resource officers, principals and law enforcement who will look at what can be done to beef up security at all schools and address the problems.

"Young people today have really lost respect for adults." Crenshaw said. "To punch or swing on a teacher or administrator that's unheard of and when it happens we have to deal with it."

Crenshaw says everything is on the table and up for consideration.

"Including metal detectors, including maybe clear back packs next year," he said. "It's got to be thoroughly looked at in terms of access to the campus, what they bring on campus, will we check every car. Do we provide protection for faculty, it's just a big picture and an open window that we have to close."

Crenshaw says that also includes possibly closing off campuses, armed school resource officers and even adding trained certified officers.

"About two years ago I was totally against it," he said. "I felt like it could result in students taking those guns, but now I've had to rethink that."

He says within the next 30 days the committee will make recommendations and give estimates on what it will cost.